Public opinion on actor Lee Sung-min is currently split. While he earned a lot of love for his friendly image on the web variety show ‘Punghyang-go 2’ earlier this year, his recent remarks at the Baeksang Arts Awards have put him in the hot seat, with some pointing out a lack of poise for a veteran actor.
On the 8th, Lee Sung-min took home the Best Supporting Actor award in the film category for ‘It Can’t Be Helped’ at the 62nd Baeksang Arts Awards. During his speech, he mentioned that fellow actress Yum Hye-ran did not win. The Best Supporting Actress award had previously gone to Shin Se-kyung for ‘Humint,’ who beat out strong contenders including Yum Hye-ran (‘It Can’t Be Helped’), Shin Hyun-bin (‘Face’), Jang Hye-jin (‘Master of the World’), and Jeon Mi-do (‘The Man Living with the King’).
Lee Sung-min caught everyone’s attention when he said, “I even cursed inside because Hye-ran didn’t get it.” Although he intended to express regret for his colleague, critics argue the comment was inconsiderate toward the winner, Shin Se-kyung, especially since it was a formal event where a winner had already been decided. Some felt that as a senior actor, he lacked consideration for a junior colleague’s achievement.
There were efforts on-site to smooth things over. Yum Hye-ran, who later appeared as a presenter, lightened the mood by joking, “I’m the Yum Hye-ran who just lost.” Director Park Chan-wook, who won Best Picture, also wrapped up the situation by saying, “Yum Hye-ran might not agree, but please understand. Shin Se-kyung also did great.”
Of course, some view Lee Sung-min’s comment as a simple joke born from a close friendship. Given his deep bond with Yum Hye-ran, supporters argue he was simply trying to ease the tension and be honest about his feelings. Many believe it wasn’t an attempt to belittle any specific actor, but rather a case of his casual, private way of speaking carrying over into a public setting.
This controversy is particularly highlighted because it contrasts with his recent activities. In ‘Punghyang-go 2,’ a spin-off of the web variety show ‘Pinggyego,’ he was widely loved for volunteering as the treasurer and taking the lead despite being a novice traveler. He earned the friendly nickname ‘Malbeoli-hyung’ for attempting reservations in clumsy English for his juniors and laughing off unexpected situations. His humble human side, rather than the authority of a veteran, left the public with a warm, fatherly image.
Lee Sung-min had built such a strong fandom and buzz that he was even mentioned as a candidate for the ‘Pinggyego’ year-end awards. The synergy between his acting skills and his unexpected cuteness and thoughtfulness in variety shows expanded his reputation from a “trusted actor” to a “trusted entertainer.”
However, this slip of the tongue at the awards ceremony has caused a crack in that favorable image. Critics point out that speaking without a filter, as one might in private, was far from the gravitas expected of a veteran actor. While many argue that the comment wasn’t severe enough to warrant over-analysis, there is lingering disappointment that he overlooked the potential impact of his words.
